Skip to main content

Sparking an interest in EVs – the electric racing car

President of motorsport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Jean Todt and Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings revealed the much-anticipated new Spark-Renault SRT01E fully-electric Formula E single-seat racing car during the opening day of the 65th International Frankfurt Motor Show. The SRT01E has been designed and built by Spark Racing Technology, together with a consortium of the leading manufacturers in motorsport, and will compete in the inaugural FIA Formula
September 11, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
President of motorsport’s governing body, the 7113 Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Jean Todt and Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings revealed the much-anticipated new Spark-2453 Renault SRT01E fully-electric Formula E single-seat racing car during the opening day of the 65th International Frankfurt Motor Show.

The SRT01E has been designed and built by Spark Racing Technology, together with a consortium of the leading manufacturers in motorsport, and will compete in the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship - the world’s first global electric race series beginning in September 2014.

The vast range of technical expertise being used by Spark Racing Technology includes a consortium consisting of McLaren, Renault and Dallara. McLaren Electronic Systems will supply the transmission, electronics and powertrain for the car, while technical partner Renault SAS will use its technological expertise to optimise the electric and electronic layout and performance of the powertrain.

Italian firm Dallara will produce the chassis with tyres being supplied by tyre partner Michelin. Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams group of companies that includes the world famous Williams F1 Team, will design and assemble the batteries that will power the car and Qualcom Halo wireless electric vehicle charging (WEVC) technology will be adapted to be fitted into the track safety cars so they can be wirelessly charged.
 
Launched by the FIA, Formula E is a brand new motor racing championship featuring Formula cars powered exclusively by electric energy.

The FIA says it represents "a vision for the future of the motor industry over the coming decades".

Investors believe that motor racing can help to tackle the image problem which electric cars have and serve as a framework for research and development around the electric vehicle, accelerating general interest in these cars and promoting sustainability.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Global commercial bus partnership announced
    March 14, 2012
    US-headquartered Navistar has announced a global commercial bus partnership with Brazilian commercial bus body manufacturer San Marino Onibus e Implementos (Neobus).
  • IBM, Honda, and PG&E enable smarter charging for EVs
    April 17, 2012
    IBM has teamed with American Honda Motor Company and Pacific Gas and Electric Company on a new pilot project that will allow communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and the power grid. This project will demonstrate and test an electric vehicle's ability to receive and respond to charge instructions based on the grid condition and the vehicle's battery state. With visibility into charging patterns, energy providers will have the ability to more effectively manage charging during peak hours and create c
  • The Dutch revolution in smart EV charging
    October 18, 2016
    By turning itself into one huge Living Lab for Smart Charging of electric vehicles, the Netherlands aims to become the international frontrunner for smart charging EVs, using them to store peak solar and wind power production. Already 325 municipalities, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague, have joined the Dutch Living Lab Smart Charging project, representing 80 per cent of all public charging stations. It is also supported by the Dutch government and has been joined by some The New Motion
  • Are Detroit OEMs heading towards extinction if Apple acquires Tesla?
    February 20, 2014
    Analyst comment from Frost & Sullivan indicates that the business consulting firm believes that Detroit OEMs are in trouble if Apple acquires Tesla and thinks that the rumours surrounding this potential acquisition have some fire behind them. According to automotive and transportation team leader Paraná Tharthiharan: "Apple has an arm that researches automated driving technology and Tesla is also interested in automated driving. Hence, the speculations carry more weight than mere rumours, as if about cel